by Nosipho Mngoma
Durban - There was traffic chaos in Durban on Monday morning as protesters burned vehicles, closing Chris Hani Road, forcing motorists to take alternative routes to the Sea Cow Lake industrial area.
About 500 residents, believed to be from the nearby informal settlements, blocked off the road.
At the intersection of Sea Cow Lake and Chris Hani roads, a vehicle had been set on fire, while rubble burned at other spots.
Protesters and workers prevented from getting to work threw rocks at each other.
Protesters told the Daily News they wanted the ANC leadership in the area to explain to them how a candidate they did not elect had been nominated as councillor in the ward.
The eThekwini Municipality, in a urgent public notice on Twitter, warned motorists to beware of protests in the KwaMashu and Newlands areas.
The city said Dumisani Makhaye in KwaMashu, Chris Hani Road from the N2 to the Connaught Bridge and Nandi Drive were not accessible.
“Protesters have blockaded roads with rocks and burning tyres. Metro police and law enforcement officials are at the scene. We urge motorists to be cautious.”
eManzimtoti resident, Nkosinathi Hlengwa, who was on his way to work in Springfield, had at the time of publication, been stuck in a taxi in Umgeni Road near Kenville since 5am, as protesters blocked the road with burning vehicles.
Metro police said the M25 KwaMashu Highway was closed to traffic from Malandela Road to Bridge City. The M19 between Westville and the Quarry Road bridge was also closed in both directions.
Greenwood park police said the entrance to Newlands East from Queen Nandi Drive had been blocked off by protesters. The Sea Cow Lake Road leading to Springfield Business Park and Newlands was also closed to traffic.